Letter: KSL aware and considerate of family values by cancelling 'The New Normal'

Comments

Shouldn't decisions regarding Family Values be made
by (...wait for it...) Families?

Hank PymSLC, UT

Sept. 2, 2012 12:46 p.m.

So, Rifleman? Shouldn't decisions having to do w/ family values be made by
families?

Being made by a 3rd party negates the phrase family values.

RiflemanSalt Lake City, Utah

Sept. 1, 2012 11:33 p.m.

Re: Hank Pym SLC, UT"Why not air the program then let each individual
family decide on values for themselves?"

Those of us who believe
in morality, decency, and traditional families appreciate a TV station who
shares those same views. It all has to do with family values, and that
isn't a subject some people just aren't familiar with.

leonardOakley, ID

Sept. 1, 2012 12:18 p.m.

bravo, KSL!

Hank PymSLC, UT

Aug. 31, 2012 2:07 p.m.

Nan BW...

You don't watch TV but you frequent the internet?
Hmmmmm!

TV is for entertainment not teaching values or morals.

Hank PymSLC, UT

Aug. 31, 2012 2:05 p.m.

All those applauding KSL for *taking a stand* lack common sense among other
things.

Why not air the program then let each individual family
decide on values for themselves?

Why do those who are socially
conservative need a 3rd party to rectify all they feel is immoral, wrong, evil,
etc...?

Counter IntelligenceSalt Lake City, UT

Aug. 30, 2012 5:09 p.m.

Based on the fact that KSL previously decided not to air "The Playboy
Club" or "Couplings", which were cancelled within a few episodes
anyhow; KSL seems to be ahead of the curve.

Those posters on here who
claim to speak for all homosexuals, generally do not speak for me.

I
find Ryan Murphy's crude and juvenile stereotypes about gays to be more
offensive than NO stereotypes at all. Hate in the name of tolerance, is still
just hate (with hypocrisy added). I don't need a crude and intolerant
sit-com as a source of peoples images about my life.

I find the The
Family Guy far more offensive than SVU, because SVU is a drama, not a comedy,
and it does not celebrate the crude. Comparing SVU with The New Normal is
incredibly disingenuous

atl134Salt Lake City, UT

Aug. 30, 2012 11:30 a.m.

@Bifftacular"First, like a family, or an individual, KSL has every
right to turn off whatever it wants. "

Of course we have a right
to complain (actually technically the Deseret News controls this comment forum
and is owned along with KSL so technically we don't have the right to
complain, at least not here, but kudos to the Deseret News for allowing
disagreement to be voiced here nonetheless).

Voice of ReasonLayton, UT

Aug. 30, 2012 11:05 a.m.

Tolstoy,

I can understand why you might think those are the reasons
he gave based on how he was paraphrased by the media, but here is his actual
quote:

"From time to time we may struggle with content that
crosses the line in one area or another,” said Jeff Simpson, CEO of
KSL’s parent company, Bonneville International. “The dialogue might
be excessively rude and crude. The scenes may be too explicit or the
characterizations might seem offensive … For our brand, this program feels
inappropriate on several dimensions, especially during family viewing
time."

In other words, when he was talking about rude &
crude, explicit, etc. he was only talking generally about possible problems.
But frankly, TNN is all those things, and saying so doesn't "lack"
integrity", but is simply a different opinion on the show's content. I
suppose I shouldn't be surprised that, yet again, you sink into false
insults like "lacking integrity" out of frustration.

Btw,
Simpson recently met with some local gay groups and they accepted his
explanation that it wasn't pulled for any single reason. Even they
apparently disagree with your "sinister secret reason" theory.

Tolstoysalt lake, UT

Aug. 30, 2012 10:27 a.m.

@VORfrom the same article next paragraph "Simpson cited crude
dialogue, explicit content and offensive characterizations as underlying reasons
KSL will not air 'The New Normal." this is why I and others take
exception to KSL and your claims. The best you can say is that KSL is trying to
skirt the edges to avoid actually just stating the reason the are choosing not
to air the show. I suppose I should not be surprised your encounter with
integrity was so short lived though.

RanchHandHuntsville, UT

Aug. 30, 2012 6:43 a.m.

VoR says:"...homosexuality and gay marriage are clearly harmful and
destructive to society."

--- PROVE IT. This is nothing more than
your biased opinion. Please stop stating as fact what is clearly a blatant
out-and-out lie.

@John CC;

Being against gay
"behavior" isn't bigotry. Preventing them from living their lives
as THEY see fit because you find it offensive IS bigotry.

You said
"I, for example, find fulfillment by not expressing my hetero-sexual
attraction before or outside of marriage."

We feel the same way
but YOU won't let US marry; and then you have the nerve to complain that
we're "promiscuous" . Pretty hypocritical of you, don't you
think? Oh, and heterosexuals are every bit as promiscuous as gays.

Nan BWELder, CO

Aug. 29, 2012 9:27 p.m.

I don't watch television anytime, ever. However, I support KSL in not
airing this show (that I've never watched) because it is not beneficial to
families or teaching moral values. It is simply a reflection of standing up for
what is believed by those who make the decisions.

marxistSalt Lake City, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 7:40 p.m.

This isn't a show I'd probably watch, but remember KSL wouldn't
and won't carry SNL, so I'd just as soon KSL be a bit less of a nanny.

BifftacularSpanish Fork, Ut

Aug. 29, 2012 4:35 p.m.

Comments complaining about KSL's decision are so predictable. Seems the
complaints are two-fold; 1) upset that KSL is "censoring" programs, and
2) KSL has allowed other "bad" stuff to air before so why now? First,
like a family, or an individual, KSL has every right to turn off whatever it
wants. Ironically, this is exactly what Hollywood preaches whenever someone
assails them on the crap they are so wont to produce "simply turn it off if
you don't like it" they exclaim. Well, KSL didn't like and so they
turned it off. If people feel slighted by this and are just dying to see the
program, they can view it on the Internet. Secondly, "yes" KSL drew a
line in the sand - so what. Let's imagine they had drawn an even more
conservative line in the sand earlier and not allowed other programs (Law &
Order has been mentioned) imagine the hue and cry that would come from the same
people complaining now about this decision? It is poor logic to suggest that if
KSL agrees to allow some questionable material, they should have to allow ALL
questionable material no matter what the degree forever and ever.

NoodlekaboodleSalt Lake City, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 4:12 p.m.

So let me get this straight. Community, 30 rock, the office, fear factor and
celebrity apprentice are all OK? Those shoes are foul, discus topics that
aren't consistent with LDS beliefs and in the case of fear factor,
it's just disgusting. So apparently that is all OK with the LDS public and
KSL. But if a show portrays gay people in a good light or talks about god
THAT'S when we have to pull it from the air. Although it's KSL's
right to do whatever they want, it is a hypocritical stance and pretty much
shows their level of dislike for homosexuals.

John C. C.Payson, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 4:07 p.m.

Being against gay behavior doesn't equal bigotry. It's just that gay
behavior is inherently unstable, unhealthy, and is generally accompanied by
promiscuity. Lasting family relationships have a much better chance of
providing protection and nurture for our children if they are led by a committed
husband and wife. We recognize that. We feel that our loved ones, including
those with same-sex attraction, will find more fulfillment resisting that
attraction.

I, for example, find fulfillment by not expressing my
hetero-sexual attraction before or outside of marriage. I have seen much
heartbreak experienced by those who chose otherwise. We just like to help all
those we love to learn these facts of life when they are young, impressionable,
and subject to false impressions from the media.

Voice of ReasonLayton, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 3:49 p.m.

Tolstoy, thank you for not doubting my integrity. However it looks like now,
the angle that some are taking on KSL's decision is that KSL was somehow
lying about their "real" reasons. Well luckily, we have their real
reasons for not carrying The New Normal in plain printed English:

"For our brand, this program feels inappropriate on several dimensions,
especially during family viewing time."

Um, that's not
really inconsistent with what I said, i.e. that homosexuality and gay marriage
are clearly harmful and destructive to society. Seems like their reasons are
pretty much what I mentioned, except that they were much more gracious about it
than I was. No sinister, "secret" reason that KSL's not telling us
about.

The show is just too big a slap in the face of traditional
families for KSL to stomach, complete with a socially conservative cartoon
buffoon (Ellen Barkin's character) to bat around. No word on whether
she's actually made of straw. Same stale, leftist Hollywood tricks -
nothing new here. The New Normal - even the name practically dares mainstream
Americans to challenge them on the critical importance of traditional families.

Happy Valley HereticOrem, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 2:30 p.m.

lost in DC said:children are entitled to born to a father and a mother who
are completely faithful to each other. Anything that portrays something other
than this as "normal" is a detriment to society.

Since more
than half of marriage ends in divorce and there are single parents out there, I
tend to believe you are now the minority not the Norm, soon you won't be
able to shame the majority into your belief that they are "detrimental to
society." they are simply "Part of Society."

Happy Valley HereticOrem, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 2:23 p.m.

But "Will & Grace" was such an uplifting moral show?Drop the
network if you have no intention of supporting it.

...and for those
pointing out "law and order," they always get the bad guy, and violence
is OK as long as everyone is dressed and doesn't swear while they're
mutilating someone.

Tolstoysalt lake, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 2:03 p.m.

@lost

the only thing that is a determent to society about this issue
is your continued false claims that harm loving caring families.

children are entitled to born to a father and a mother who are completely
faithful to each other. Anything that portrays something other than this as
"normal" is a detriment to society. And even if I choose to not watch,
I am not immune from the influence such trash has on society at large.

one old manOgden, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 12:29 p.m.

The really frightening thing about TV these days is that there are so many
Americans who apparently enjoy watching the sewage that fills virtually all the
programming out there.

Thank goodness for the PBS channels or there
would be nothing at all worth watching.

Eric SamuelsenProvo, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 11:59 a.m.

I haven't seen The New Normal, obviously, so who knows if it's lousy
or great. But a show about a loving gay couple strikes me as perfectly moral.
A lot better than Jersey Shore, or American Gypsies or twenty other rubbishy
shows.

atl134Salt Lake City, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 11:43 a.m.

"it will show gay marriage and homosexuality in general as harmless, normal
and morally acceptable. "

Which is exactly the point we're
trying to make, that this decision had nothing to do with their stated reasons
and had everything to do with homosexuality.

RABBountiful, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 11:22 a.m.

@ Moderate

Your point is well taken. There are a lot of people who
lack the will power to change the channel. It is precisely for their sake that
we should all applaud KSL's decision.

Tolstoysalt lake, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 10:38 a.m.

@VORWhile I would normally challenge your false beliefs about gay couples
I will not do so since you actually had the integrity to do something KSL has
failed to do by stating your true motives for opposing the show. thanks for at
least being honest about you motives.

Voice of ReasonLayton, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 10:19 a.m.

To those on here who are using Law & Order:SVU as a tool to justify The New
Normal: Yeah, L&O:SVU is a bad show in my opinion, I agree. But that
doesn't in any way justify The New Normal as a harmless show.

And there's a critical difference between the two shows: while
L&O:SVU may portray a lot of brutal crimes on the screen (which I don't
like), they are at least also shown to be evil and are prosecuted as crimes.
The New Normal, while maybe not as directly explicit as L&O, portrays
something far more damaging in the long run: it will show gay marriage and
homosexuality in general as harmless, normal and morally acceptable.
That's likely where KSL's judgment call came from. Yes, showing
explicit violence isn't good, but describing harmful and deadly behavior as
harmless and normal is far worse even if you don't actually show it.

OwlSalt Lake City, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 10:10 a.m.

Thanks for standing up KSL. There are times when it is appropriate to just say
No and this is one of them. It is not true that everything which comes out of
Hollywood is fit to be in our homes. By the entertainment industry's
low-threshold standards, everything is fit if can get by the timid FCC other
than the Pledge of Allegiance or prayer at a veteran's funeral.

Tolstoysalt lake, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 10:06 a.m.

KSL has the right to decide what it airs I just wish KSL and the letter writer
would stop trying to pretend it is about language and explicit content. If you
really believe you are right then stop making excuses. I guess integrity stopped
being a value you want to teach your children.

timpClimberProvo, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 10:04 a.m.

The New Normal = More broken hearted parents and destroyed lives. Thanks KSL
for standing up for good family values.

PatSandy, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 9:52 a.m.

I agree with KSL's decision. Thank you.

John Charity SpringBack Home in Davis County, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 9:15 a.m.

NBC should be condemned for attempting to push this anti-family trash on the
American public. Thankfully, KSL has taken a stand against this vile effort.

For far too long, local television stations have sat idly by while
modern Hollywood used them to further its attacks on traditional family and
marriage. Indeed, modern Hollywood belittles the family and makes fun of
fatherhood at every turn.

Hollywood would have us believe that
marriage is outdated. This view is destroying society, and KSL should be
commended for fighting against it.

isrredLogan, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 9:11 a.m.

It always makes me laugh that the same folks that cry "family values" in
the name of piety are the same people who fail to recognize the good Lord gave
us these awesome things called thumbs that allow me to change the channel, or
even better, turn off the television altogether if I don't like what's
on in front me. I make choices for myself; I don't presume to make choices
for others I don't even know.

Robert JohnsonSunland, CA

Aug. 29, 2012 8:59 a.m.

"Family values"? Seriously you jest. I guess KSL in its big brother
mentality deems that programs like "Law and Order" that regularly
feature storylines dealing with child sexual abuse, rape and murder fit in well
with the Utah "Family Values", but a show featuring a loving couple who
happen to be gay does not. If this is what KSL believes are "family
values", then I suggest that they need to seriously re-evaluate their value
system.

ModerateSalt Lake City, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 8:53 a.m.

It is always interesting to hear from viewers who lack the will power to make
their own choices. "If it is on TV, I will watch it. Thank you KSL for
filtering my programs for me!"

CHS 85Sandy, UT

Aug. 29, 2012 7:43 a.m.

Yes, KSL, thank you for making my remote control obsolete. "Law and Order
SVU" TV14 = good. "The New Normal" TV14 = bad.